The streaming music game is getting more crowded by the day, so in order for a service to stand out, it has to offer something that nobody else is offering, something that nobody else can offer. That’s where YouTube comes in.
The site is obviously an Internet staple, and despite that, YouTube has yet to ask for money from its users… aside from using their content to generate advertising revenue, that is. But now YouTube has an idea to further monetize their primary platform while bolstering a floundering sister platform: YouTube Red, an upcoming subscription service set to compete with Spotify, Apple Music and the other big players.
Starting on October 28, for $9.99 per month (or $12.99 on iOS devices), subscribers will be able to watch all YouTube videos — not just music videos — ad-free, save videos to watch offline, and play videos when the app is in the background. As part of the monthly fee, users will also have access to Google Play Music, and inversely, current Google Play Music subscribers will also have access to YouTube Red.
A YouTube Music app will also launch and be usable without a subscription, although ad-free, offline, and background listening will not be available. YouTube Red will also include original programming from entities like CollegeHumor, PewDiePie, Lilly Singh and others.
Find more info about YouTube Red here, and let us know in the comments what you think about the whole thing. Is YouTube taking advantage of its existing user base and offering them a streaming service that extends beyond just music a smart move?
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HT: Pitchfork
Featured image courtesy of YouTube
